It’s a state of mind.
The hunting origins of modern safaris arose in the 18th century. But it was the 19th and 20th centuries that brought us the classic images of well-healed westerners sleeping in tents, taking leisurely meals under the sky, and walking or riding in jeeps during thrilling searches for exotic African game both large and small.
Like the gorillas the prior day, the golden monkeys didn’t really care that we were in their habitat.
We prepared for one of the most demanding and rewarding days of our touristy lives – a trek up into the mountain rain forest to see the gorillas up close and personal.
The most important reason we travel is to be reminded that no matter how dissimilar other people and cultures can sometimes appear from ourselves, in the end we are all really much more alike than we are different.
While I don’t believe in spooky pyramid power, it’s hard to argue that pyramids do possess a mystique that nudges them towards the supernatural realm.
Our gang took a journey through the Nile River Valley to visit some of ancient Egypt’s most splendid architectural wonders.
I decided to further torture my travel companions by making arrangements for us to drive 3.5 hours through the Sahara desert.
Though it is no longer the center of world power it was in the years after Alexander founded the city in 331 BC, present-day Alexandria does still lay claim to some greatness.
George and I have been on all seven continents together. But somehow we’ve managed to miss one of the most iconic destinations on the entire planet.
I don’t want to end the Bit of England blog series on a somber note, so here are some lighter bits from along the way.
On Monday evening, 19 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest at Windsor Castle after her funeral at Westminster Abbey earlier that day.
You may be wondering, what in Thor’s name are the Cotswolds? If you have to ask, you’re obviously not British.